The ancestors of the first family to use the name Hagwood lived among the Pictish people of ancient Scotland. The name Hagwood comes from the Gaelic form Mac-an-t-sagairt, which means son of the priest.Patronymic names often substituted the name of a saint or other revered religious figure in place of a devout bearer's actual father. However, the patronym Hagwood often denotes actual paternity in this case, since the marriage of clerics in minor orders was permissible, although the marriage of priests was declared illegal and invalid during the 12th century.

Early Origins of the Hagwood family

The surname Hagwood was first found in Perthshire (Gaelic: Siorrachd Pheairt) former county in the present day Council Area of Perth and Kinross, located in central Scotland, where they held a family seat from very ancient times, some say well before the Norman Conquest and the arrival of Duke William at Hastings in 1066 A.D.

Early History of the Hagwood family

This web page shows only a small excerpt of our Hagwood research.Another 133 words (10 lines of text) are included under the topic Early Hagwood History in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Hagwood Spelling Variations

In medieval Scotland, names were more often spelled according to sound than any regular set of rules. An enormous number of spelling variations were the result. Over the years, the name Hagwood has been spelled Haggard, Hagard, Hagger, Hagart, Haggart,Hager and many more.

Early Notables of the Hagwood family (pre 1700)

More information is included under the topic Early Hagwood Notables in all our PDF Extended History products and printed products wherever possible.

Migration of the Hagwood family to the New World and Oceana

In such difficult times, Ireland, Australia, and North America looked like better homes for many Scots. The trips were expensive and grueling, but also rewarding, as the colonies were havens for those unwelcome in the old country. That legacy did not die easily, though, and many were forced to fight for their freedom in the American War of Independence. The Scottish legacy has resurface in more recent times, though, through Clan societies, highland games, and other organizations. Immigration and passenger lists have shown many early immigrants bearing the old Scottish name of Hagwood: Peter Hagard arrived in Philadelphia in 1849; Andrew Haggart arrived in New York in 1848; J. Haggard arrived in San Francisco in 1850.

The Hagwood Motto

The motto was originally a war cry or slogan. Mottoes first began to be shown with arms in the 14th and 15th centuries, but were not in general use until the 17th century. Thus the oldest coats of arms generally do not include a motto. Mottoes seldom form part of the grant of arms: Under most heraldic authorities, a motto is an optional component of the coat of arms, and can be added to or changed at will; many families have chosen not to display a motto.